This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

13 Jul 2026 at 12:29

Summary of the contracting process

Wirral Council is initiating a procurement process for their "Step Up to Social Work" programme aimed at delivering a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work through partnerships with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This procurement, under the category of services and specifically within higher education services (CPV code: 80300000), is currently in the planning stage. The relevant geographical focus is region UKD74 in the United Kingdom. As part of the preliminary market engagement, Wirral Council has scheduled a soft market testing exercise via a questionnaire to be completed on the Chest portal, with a response deadline set for 12 Noon on 3rd August 2026.

This tender provides significant opportunities for HEIs with capabilities in delivering postgraduate social work courses to expand their offerings and participate in a national programme. The contracting process offers a collaborative platform for educational institutions to align with government objectives in higher education and social work training, potentially increasing their market presence. Institutions with experience in delivering accredited social work qualifications and those looking to solidify or expand their presence in social work education within the public sector would be well-suited to compete in this tender process. The procurement's light touch regime indicates a focus on flexible and innovation-driven submissions, encouraging interested parties to prepare proposals that stand out in terms of both approach and value.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Soft Market Testing exercise- Step Up to Social Work programme

Notice Description

Wirral Council is seeking to engage with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with the capability and capacity to deliver a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work as part of the national Step Up to Social Work programme.

Planning Information

Questionnaire to be completed on the Chest portal: https://procontract.due-north.com/register Title- Soft Market Testing exercise- Step Up to Social Work programme Project reference- DN822089 Questions to be raised via the Chest portal Closing date for responses 12 Noon on Monday 3rd August 2026 If you experience any technical difficulties registering or using The Chest, please contact support: Email: procontractsuppliers@proactis.com

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c988
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065607-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80300000 - Higher education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
12 Oct 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WIRRAL COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WALLASEY
Postcode
CH44 8ED
Post Town
Chester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD74 Wirral
Delivery Location
TLD74 Wirral

Local Authority
Wirral
Electoral Ward
Seacombe
Westminster Constituency
Wallasey

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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